celebrating Joan rivers. We turn to the battle against Isis. President Obama zeroing in on a tragedy to go after the terror group holding a press conference to lay out where things stand later this morning as U.S. Officials consider a plan to rescue other hostages held by the extremists. ABC's Brian Ross has the latest. Reporter: U.s. Officials have not ruled out another attempt to rescue the hostages. Believed to be near the Syrian city of raqqah. Even with Isis on alert after the earlier unsuccessful mission, former special forces commanders say it could still be doable even if more risky than before. It's not factored in that it has to be perfect and there's always a chance that we will lose somebody but that's just part of the job and that's part of the mission. Reporter: U.s. Officials tell ABC news that the top Isis leaders appear to be using encrypted communications to avoid being detected. But that overhead surveillance at Isis command centers has begun to produce a few possibling its. If the U.S. As a drone or fixed wing aircraft with the ability to strike an Isis target, especially a senior leader, they'll do it now. Reporter: After the murder of the two American journalists Isis has now threatened this british citizen David Haynes prompting the british prime minister to reiterate the policy of not paying ransom. It's a difficult decision to make but convinced it's the right decision and tried to convince other world leaders to take that view. Reporter: President Obama is expected to answer questions about his strategy or lack of strategy on Isis later this morning. But his deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes continued the white house hedge when pressed by ABC news white house correspondent Jonathan Karl. Is he considering air strikes on isil targets in Syria? Absolutely we don't rule out action in Syria. I'm not talking about ruling out but actively under consideration. We're actively considering all options that are necessary. With all the attention on the threat posed by Isis U.S. Officials have not forgotten about Al Qaeda, especially with the coming anniversary of the 9/11 attacks next week. Out of sight but not out of mind. ING 0, thanks very much. We'll have much more on Sunday on "This week."

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

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